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13 BEST RACING WATCHES FOR THE PETROL HEAD

Horology is known for being a rapid industry, with a conveyor belt of timepieces and new models being produced on a regular basis. However, there are a few watches which take the entire concept of speed to a whole new level.

Ensuring a timepiece is accurate and precise is a critical part of making a successful timepiece. For race watches, this is a particularly critical feature due to the intensity and high-speeds that the cars can reach when out on the track, or handling that chicane.

Of course, you don’t have to be IWC wearing Lewis Hamilton to wear a racing watch. In fact, racing watches have become more accessible over time, due to their everyday wearability and modern features, allowing you to hit 90 on the Autobahn, or propose a revolutionary business plan in the boardroom.

But, before we move off the slip road and start discussing the best racing watches for you discerning gentlemen, it’s imperative we cover those burning questions such as what is a racing watch and is a chronograph a racing watch.

What Defines A Racing Watch

Racing watches are an essential component to any drivers toolbox. However, as time progresses and horology evolves, they are no longer your standard measuring stick for time elapsed and average lap count.

For the racing world, these functions are still an integral part to any timepiece. They retain a number of functions like the chronograph counters and tachymetric scale, in order to quickly measure speed and elapsed time.

They have been in circulation since the early 20th Century, wherein legendary watch brand TAG Heuer worked closely with the industry by making dashboard timers. Then there’s Breitling with their production of the legendary Top Time collection, taking inspiration from vintage cars during the 1960s

We’re talking collaborative pieces with incredible sports cars like the Ford Thunderbird, Chevrolet Corvette and Shelby Cobra, resulting in vibrant and sports infused models fit for the race track.

However, even before the invention of cars, Nicolas Mathieu Rieussec invented the first racing watch back in 1821 for timing horse races. But hold your horses for a second. Yes, racing watches have been around for a very long time indeed!

The actual industry has always played a critical part in the design or inspiration behind the pieces. Need we mention Girard-Perregaux and their relationship with Aston Martin, Rolex and the Daytona track, or the TAG Heuer Carrera. The former is linked to the Carrera Panamericana race, a challenging 3,000 kilometre race across intrepid Mexican terrain?

In essence, these types of watches are timepieces, inextricably linked with the racing world, either by association with drivers, historical ties to the event, or releasing collaborative models with drivers or Formula 1 teams.

On the other hand, there are equally a number of features within horology that epitomise racing watches. It’s now time to discover what makes them so effective…

Unpacking Racing Watches

We know that we’ve given you horophiles a lot of information to cram in. However, nothing is as important as defining exactly what a race watch is all about, including its principal features and DNA.

Tachymetric Scale

The tachymetric scale is an exceptionally handy tool for racers, as it allows users to measure speed or distance by using the scale to calculate time travelled. Typically spotted on the bezel or the flange, this offers a very attractive, sporty aesthetic.

Chronograph Counters

Counters are not exclusively a race watch feature, but they are essential to this particular industry. Totaling either two or three chronograph counters, these typically differentiate in background to the rest of the dial, enhancing their legibility, making them clearly stand out. They are operated via pushers on the side of the case, and measure a range of time functions, including the race time and distance.

Legible Dial

Visibility is the name of the game in the race world. When beaming around the track at over 100 mph, ensuring time is read via a quick glance is key. This may allude to the hour markers being large, or a different colour to the background, alongside the counters being designed with a different finish to counter the main design.

Perforated Strap

Watch straps are available in a range of materials such as rubber or leather. Offering high levels of comfort, they are more ergonomic compared to steel bracelets, and also suit the racing aesthetic due to their perforated design, totalling many holes to allow breathability when under a race suit.

1. TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Skeleton Dark Blue

Case Thickness	15.2mm
Case Diameter	39mm
Movement	Heuer 2
Strap Type	Blue rubber
Material	Titanium

TAG Heuer and the racing world is not a one-off collaboration. In fact, TAG Heuer has been associated with the automotive industry since the early 20th century when they made dashboard timers for rally drivers.

Source - TAG Heuer

However, with the release of the Monaco in 1969, subsequently being worn by Steve McQueen in the legendary 1971 film, Le Mans, this line has a particularly special relationship with the racing industry.

Narrowly beaten out to the Zenith El Primero calibre in 1969, the Monaco featured the first ever automatic calibre in a square case, bolstering the attractiveness and brimming to the max with energetic spirit. No tachymetric scale on the bezel here!

For 2024, the TAG Heuer Monaco received an exciting update, consisting of skeletonisation and avant-garde aesthetics.

Measuring 39mm x 15.2mm, the square case is quite tight on the wrist, but it makes up for its ergonomic girth by with thick case sides. Crafted out of grade 2 titanium, the weight is nothing to worry about due to the attractiveness of this oh so lightweight material.

Given a sandblasted finish with bevelled edges, the angular, race inspired design is promoted via two pushers based at 2 and 4 o’clock, either side of the crown at 3 o’clock. Modern materials are not all that TAG Heuer have up their sleeves…

For the dial, TAG Heuer employs the same “circle within a square design” that have made up the timepieces since their inception in 1969. However, the background of the circle is open-worked, allowing the squared, dual sub counters at 3 and 9 o’clock to clearly stand out.

The counters total a 30-minute and 12 hour counter, offer exceptional accuracy for the man on the track or dashing for that last minute keynote speech. As Black Box so eloquently stated, you’ll always be “Right On Time.”

Furthermore, they feature neon yellow hands that coincide with the main seconds hands, and stand out against the black edges and navy blue minute track. They’ve opted to exchange a third counter for a date aperture. The baton hour markers are given a strip of lume through their centre for optimal legibility, just like the rhodium plated central hands.

Within the timepieces beats the in-house Calibre Heuer 2. Following on from its automatic predecessors, there is 28,800VpH (4Hz) of timekeeping goodness alongside an impressive 80 hour power reserve.

You can buy a TAG Heuer Monaco Skeleton Chronograph Dark Blue at retail for £9,850 as of July 2024.

2. A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Up/Down 405.028

Case Thickness	13.1mm
Case Diameter	41mm
Movement	L951.6
Strap Type	Leather
Material	White gold

One of the all time faves from these German giants, The A. Lange & Söhne Datograph was released in 1999 as a fresh take on the chronograph world. Designed in-house, the movement was one of very few that was designed by the brand themselves. Remember, even huge lines like the Rolex Daytona had to turn to Zenith’s El Primero calibre!

Source - A. Lange & Söhne

Celebrating 25 years of the fantastic Datograph line at Watches and Wonders 2024, the latest Datograph Up/Down 405.028 gives the line an anniversary to remember!

Capped at just 125 pieces, we see they are crafted out of white gold and totals a size of 41mm x 13.1mm. Fitted with a ridged crown at 3 o’clock and two polished pushers on either side, the cases are thoroughly polished across the bezel and lugs, leaving the bezel beautifully presented as an almost reflective surface.

For the dial, the aesthetic remains very loyal to the original Datograph models, including the arrangement of the large date at 12 o’clock with two-subdials presented at 4 and 8 o’clock. The triangular design has become a huge feature, while A. Lange & Söhne have remained steadfast in keeping the aesthetic centre stage.

Given a navy blue background, the tachymetric scale is stepped on the periphery of the dial, to offer first class legibility.

Time is read via the baton hour markers and sword shaped hands that have luminova inserts. At 6 o’clock is a power reserve indicator, a handy feature for determining whether you need to start flexing your timepiece in the office, or save it for watching the F1 in Dubai.

Within the models lies the L951.6 calibre. Providing an 18,000VpH frequency and 60 hour power reserve, the 451 part movement powers the flyback chrono functionality, alongside the large date and general timekeeping.

You can buy a A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Up/Down 405.028 at retail upon request for a price as of July 2024.

3. Chopard Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph

Case Thickness	12.8mm
Case Diameter	40.5mm
Movement	A32.211
Strap Type	Rubber
Material	Steel

Racing has never been the same since the Chopard Mille Miglia staked its claim as one of the best racing watches…

Source - Chopard

Chopard first undertook the important role of timekeeping the storied event back in 1988, representing one of the strongest collaborations in horological history. Want another funky fact? Chopard co-president Karl-Friedrich Scheufele has also been an active participant in the race since 1989. So active to say the least that he actually races!

For this latest iteration of the Mille Miglia line, Chopard has brought the fabulous Classic Chronograph edition for us to salivate over. For this edition, Chopard opts for a sturdy 40.5mm x 12.8mm solid steel case.

Given a polished finish along the bezel, pushers and crown, the watches are not overly rugged like Gerard Butler. Yet they are designed with enough luxury to allow the pieces to be worn for a few cocktails at that local hotspot!

Pertaining to the brand's original models, they feature a glass-box sapphire crystal over the dial for added protection and scratch resistance. This suggests the strength of the models, with a somewhat poor 50 metres of water resistance.

For the dial, it has a silver background with a circular finish. This allows the large Arabic numerals to clearly stand out, alongside the date aperture residing between 4 and 5 o’clock. Across the dial are counters at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock with black backgrounds, keeping in tandem with the equally black tachymetric scale on the periphery of the dial.

Below 12 o’clock is a 1000 Miglia Arrow in a sharp red shade, giving a nod to the Mille Miglia race itself. Within the timepieces, you will find the COSC certified A32.211 movement. This offers a 54 hour power reserve, alongside enough power to run the chronograph functionality and general timekeeping. One to look out for if you want to buy a watch under £10,000.

You can buy a Chopard Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph at retail for £8,420 as of July 2024.

4. Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch Steel - Sedna Version

Case Thickness	13.2mm
Case Diameter	42mm
Movement	3861
Strap Type	Bracelet
Material	Steel and Sedna gold

If we say Omega then what do you say? Speedy of course. But we don’t want to make a supersonic man out of you. We just want to inform you of our next best racing watch that will launch your collection into the stratosphere.

The Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch has a history intertwined with the lunar world. As the first watch on the moon, worn by Buzz Aldrin in 1969, the Speedmaster has become associated with the celestial plain, and has elevated itself to become a crucial part of popular culture.

Source - Omega

However, its history has not always been shooting for the stars. In fact, following the line's initial release back in 1957, the watches became the first chronograph watch in the world with a tachymetric scale on the bezel as opposed to printed on the dial. The bezel is easy to see and provides excellent visibility. This was designed exclusively to suit race car drivers, as it promoted the scales legibility.

So, although the brand's iconic Moonwatch name remains firmly in the title, just note that this timepiece is still a race watch at heart! With a case diameter of 42mm and a thickness of 13.2mm, the timepieces are crafted out of both Sedna gold and steel. Two-tone models are not unusual, but are a very accessible way to buy a watch with precious metal at a more affordable pricing.

Sedna gold is one of Omega’s very special creations. Imitating rose gold, it’s inspired by Sedna, the reddest planet in the solar system. Using materials like copper and palladium, the material provides a better lustre, and a more desirable finish.

Along the top is a ceramic bezel with Sedna gold tachymetric scale that clearly stands out from the black ceramic. On the right side of the case are two pushers on either side of a crown, relating to the chronograph functions.

And that brings us nicely to the sterling dial. Given a Sedna gold PVD coating, the face is provided with recessed black counters at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock with Sedna gold hands and text for legibility.

Around the dial are baton hour markers and hands. The markers have tips of luminescence at their heads, and the hands have lume running through their centre. Within the timepiece pulsates the Calibre 3861. This provides wearers with a 21,600VpH alongside a 50 hour power reserve. Master Chronometer Certified? Absolutely!

You can buy an Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch Steel-Sedna at retail for £17,100 as of July 2024.

5. IWC Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41mm AMG

Case Thickness	14.8mm
Case Diameter	41.1mm
Movement	69385
Strap Type	Rubber
Material	Ceratanium

We know that this say’s Pilot in the title, but we assure you that only diehard race fans keep their eyes on this beauty.

Source - IWC

Renowned for their highly legible dials and tool instrument visual theatre, IWC and race icons Mercedes-Benz are noted for having one of the most established and respected collaborations in the horological world.

Becoming Official Engineering Partner of speedy car brand, Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team since 2013, there’s a high chance you’ll spot IWC timepieces on the worst of the official Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team.

Speaking of Petronas… Shall we cover this latest IWC Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph AMG?

At 41.1mm x 14.8mm and 100 metres of water resistance, it lends itself to the strength and durability of the timepieces. Crafted out of Ceratanium, the models are quite lightweight, combating the 14.8mm thickness that could be heavy on the wrist.

Along the top is a black ceramic bezel that boasts a white tachymetric scale, allowing for optimal legibility in all circumstances. The ceramic bezel is a great option for scratch resistance and ensuring optimal legibility. This stands clear from the large, Ceratanium crown and pushers on the right hand side of the case.

Given a pitch black dial, the large white Arabic numerals and baton markers are clearly defined, alongside the sword shaped hands. All of the above are filled with Super-Luminpva for maximum legibility.

At 6, 9 and 12 o’clock, the black subdials are slightly recessed and given a snailed finish to allow them to stand out from the main black background. But there’s nothing slow paced about this number. There are some green elements linking to the racing Petronas colour scheme on the date aperture at 3 o’clock, hand on the sub-dial at 6 o’clock and tip of the second hand.

Flip the timepiece over for a tick and bear witness to an exhibition sapphire crystal. This features “Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team” text, alongside revealing the 69385 calibre that has 28,800VpH and a 46 hour power reserve.

You can buy an IWC Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41mm AMG at retail for £12,100 as of July 2024.

6. TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph x Porsche 963

Case Thickness	15mm
Case Diameter	44mm
Movement	TH20-00
Strap Type	Rubber
Material	Steel

Will you forgive us for a second if we keep taking things back to TAG Heuer? As one of the flagship brands of the racing world, we really can’t keep their name off our lips…nor our wrists.

Source - TAG Heuer

While tongues may fawn over the Monaco, especially their glorious updates at Watches and Wonders 2024, we really would be remiss if we didn’t mention the stunning TAG Heuer Carrera, and the Porsche inspired Chronograph model released in June 2024.

The TAG Heuer Carrera is already a giant player in the race watch world. Originally released in 1963, the line is inspired by the famous Carrera Panamericana race that followed a tough 3km route across arduous Mexican terrain. In fact, did you know that Carrera is actually defined as “race” in Spanish?

However, this TAG Heuer Carrera is a play on their very valued sponsorship of high powered car brand, Porsche. Enter, the Carrera Chronograph x Porsche 963.

Measuring 44mm x 15mm, the watches are very big, especially since they are crafted out of steel. The black PVD finish on the case sides enhances the sportiness of the pieces, especially since they are displayed on the crown and pushers.

Along the top is a carbon bezel that is fitted with a white tachymetric scale, clearly standing out from the grey shade and providing optimal legibility in all conditions. Carbon bezels are unusual, but we won’t hold any grudges! We only need one shade of grey here to tell you how fascinating this model is.

For the dial, it is entirely openworked, revealing a more avant-garde design than the classic, solid dial Carrera models. However, the legibility is not impacted at all, due to the solid baton hour markers with lume centres. This principle continues onto the baton hands featuring the all lumed up centre.

For legibility, there is a red seconds hand and hands on the dual sub counters that clearly stand out against the black backgrounds. The pop of red is attractive and conjures up images of your rev counter tingling in your swanky new sports car!

Interestingly, the watch is released as a celebration of the fabulous Le Mans race, taking place every year in June. Notice the red baton hour markers at 4 o’clock? This is an ode to the starting time of the Le Mans race (in Swiss time of course!).

Within the Swiss brands timepieces lies the very powerful TH20-00 calibre. Providing a 28,800VpH alongside a strong 80 hour power reserve, this supports the central hands and chrono functions like ¼ seconds, 30-minute and 12 hour counters.

You can buy a TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph x Porsche 963 at retail for £8,050 as of July 2024.

7. H.Moser & Cie Streamliner x Alpine Pink Livery

Case Thickness	14mm
Case Diameter	42.3mm
Movement	HMC 811
Strap Type	Rubber
Material	Steel

Gents..it’s time to start your engines for our next best racing watch contender. Entering the pit lane is the H.Moser & Cie Streamliner x Alpine Pink Livery.

Now H.Moser & Cie and Alpine Motorsports have been in partnership since February 2024, following H.Moser & Cie being revealed as Alpine Motorsports first ever Global Partner.

Source - H.Moser & Cie

Following the release of the Streamliner Cylindrical Tourbillon Skeleton as the first model to celebrate the partnership, H.Moser & Cie decided to go one step further in May 2024 by introducing the Streamliner x Alpine Pink Livery.

What does Livery refer to? It refers to the teams identity, including sponsorships and colours of the teams. Alpine are racing two cars, one in blue and the other in pink, resulting in H.Moser releasing both a blue and a pink model. Chrono Hunter likes things funky and different, so pink is our first choice! As long as it is like Ryan Gosling…packed full of Kenergy.

Totalling 42.3mm x 14mm, the steel models are given a brushed finish across the case tops and along the skeletonised bridges. Fitted with a domed sapphire crystal that stands out from the polished bezel, to enhance the magnification of the dial, we like their extreme sportiness, while fitting in the classic, curved Streamliner case design. This really is a feast for the eyes.

Capable of yielding 120 metres of water resistance, the faces are completely skeletonised, yielding only minimal elements such as the bridges and the movement itself. As for the dial, it is off centre and designed into a pink synthetic corundum located at 12 o’clock.

Fitted with Super-Luminova filled hour markers and Globolight blued hands, the dial may be small, but it’s exceptionally visible, especially since it’s presented against the neon pink corundum.

At 12 o’clock, there is an equally skeletonised tourbillon that enhances the model's resistance to gravity. Fitted with the openworked HMC 811 calibre, this 3D movement uses H.Moser & Cie’s in-house cylindrical hairspring and one-minute tourbillon for optimal precision. This entitles users to a hardy 74 hour power reserve and 21,600VpH.

Capped at 20 pieces, you can buy a H.Moser & Cie Streamliner x Alpine Pink Livery at retail for around £78,475 as of July 2024.

8. Zenith Defy Skyline Chronograph - Blue Dial

Case Thickness	15.5mm
Case Diameter	42mm
Movement	El Primero
Strap Type	Bracelet
Material	Steel

If you want to buy one of these best racing watches for your collection, one of the key features to factor in is their epic chronograph capabilities.

Perhaps nothing can ever touch the quality of the famed El Primero from 1969. Representing the first automatic chrono calibre, the El Primero movement is a staple of the brilliant Zenith Defy Skyline collection.

Source - Zenith

The Skyline collection was originally released in 2021, resulting in around 20 references being released to us hungry horophiles. So, is another Zenith Defy Skyline Chrono classified as overkill? Not when you check out some of these beautiful stats!

Totalling 42mm x 15.5mm, these steely timepieces feature vertical brushes along the octagonal bezel and case, aside from a few polished elements along the chamfered edges of the bezel and pushers.

You can expect around 100 metres of water resistance which allows you to pull this beauty off in the shower, or for a quick swim in your private pool.

For the dial, the timepieces have a deep, navy blue shade that's composed of small black stars, linking to Zenith’s original emblem. Here’s a fun fact for you; the star emblem became the brand's calling card due to founder Favre-Jacot having a fascination with the night sky! Given a sunburst finish, light can be cast through, enhancing the legibility of the lume filled black baton hour markers and hands.

There are recessed triple counters at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock, entitling users to measure 60-seconds, 60-minutes and running seconds. Ideal if you want to pound the streets looking to purchase a racing watch.

Within the models is the famed El Primero movement, providing a 60 hour power reserve alongside a rapid 5Hz frequency. Users can even measure 1/10th of a second, read via the scale on the periphery of the dial. You just won’t believe your eyes the way it flicks round the dial with superlative precision.

You can buy a Zenith Defy Skyline Chronograph at retail for £12,100 as of July 2024.

9. Jaeger-LeCoultre Duometre Chronograph Moon

Case Thickness	14.2mm
Case Diameter	42.5mm
Movement	Calibre 391
Strap Type	Leather
Material	Platinum

The watchmaker’s watchmaker, Jaeger-LeCoultre releasing a high-powered model is not a particularly revolutionary concept. However, the Duometre Chronograph Moon is an exciting timepiece due to its beautiful design and racing capabilities. This is clearly demonstrated in this case through counters and a tachymetric scale.

Source - Jaeger-LeCoultre

Released in 2007, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Duometre line celebrates a unique design code, referring to a dual movement system, powering the complications and time functions. Equating to 42.5mm x 14.2mm, the models are crafted out of pure platinum. This exceptionally rare material is luxurious and thoroughly polished along the bezel and the lugs. Sure, there’s not that sporty tachymetric scale on the bezel, but this is good enough!

Platinum is rarely used in horology, as opposed to yellow gold or white gold, but when used, it tends to be a show-stopper, especially when expertly finished. Within the platinum case is a salmony face that starkly contrasts against the silvery aesthetics.

The dial is off-centre at 9 o’clock, and boasts hours and minutes, hour and minute hand not to mention a day and night indicator in the centre. For the chrono features, the hours and minutes are read via the sub-dial at 3 o’clock, with an internal moon-phase and a jumping seconds display at 6 o’clock that can read ⅙ of a second.

Running around the periphery of the dial is a black tachymetric scale that allows users to measure speed and distance. Within the models beats the Calibre 391, offering a twin 50 hour power reserve and highly accurate 1/6th of a second precision. This is great if you are making a quick dash from the airport lounge or finishing off that drink in the champagne bar.

You can buy a Jaeger-LeCoultre Duometre Chronograph Moon at retail upon requesting a price as of July 2024.

10. TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph CBS2216.BA0041

Case Thickness	13.86mm
Case Diameter	39mm
Movement	TH20-00
Strap Type	Bracelet
Material	Steel

The TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph is a fantastic representation of the brand's awesome racing legacy. Given a gorgeous glassbox crystal, this design code has been around since the original Carrera models back in 1963, and has since been a regular part of the exciting Carrera line, such as the 39mm yellow gold edition from 2023.

Source - TAG Heuer

In 2024, The Carrera line like Daft Punk took to the Glassbox design “One More Time” with the sterling Carrera CBS2216.BA0041. Totalling 39mm x 13.86mm of solid steel, the timepieces are thoroughly brushed across the bracelet links, while the lugs, pushers and crown benefit from polished surfaces.

The remarkable Glassbox crystal hangs over the rounded bezel, promoting a white tachymetric scale that can easily be seen by racers or gentlemen running to get to the last train home. After all, having a legible bezel means even you romantics can make that dinner date on time!

For the dial, the faces have a beautiful sunray finish that enhances the legibility of the steely baton hour markers and hands. All of them have a strip of luminescence through their centre, allowing optimal legibility in all conditions. There are jolts of red that are present in the hands against the pitch black, azuré sub dials, as well as the tip of the second hand.

At 6 o’clock is a date aperture that sits within a running seconds counter. The black sub counters against the grey background link in nicely with the sporty, Panda aesthetic that make these models so desirable.

On the edge of the face is a black tachymetric scale that ties in well with the equally black sub-dials. Within the timepieces is the TH20-00 calibre, providing an 80 hour power reserve for excellent longevity and pristine accuracy. If you want to go the distance this really will put the pedal to the middle.

You can buy a TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph CBS2216.BA0041 at retail for £6,100 as of July 2024.

11. Chopard Alpine Eagle XL Chrono

Case Thickness	13.15mm
Case Diameter	44mm
Movement	03.05-C
Strap Type	Rubber
Material	Titanium

Chopard are the masters of producing timepieces that can accurately measure speed and distance with ease.

Source - Chopard

The Chopard Alpine Eagle XL Chrono has led on from the original 2019 Alpine Eagle line. Continuing on the incredible legacy of the St.Moritz line, the Alpine Eagle XL Chrono seeks to add an extra level of depth to the brands collection.

If you know Chopard, you’ll know all about their accessible timepieces that are designed to suit the modern wearer and easily slip under shirt cuffs. However, this edition is an out and out luxury sports watch.

Sized at 44mm x 13.15mm, the timepieces are crafted out of grade 5 titanium, allowing it to be lighter than its steel counterparts. A few design codes of the original Alpine Eagle line are retained, including the bezel fixed in with 8 screws, totalling 2 screws at 12, 3, 6 and 9 o’clock.

With 100 metres of water resistance, the dial on the Alpine Eagle XL Chrono is protected by a sapphire crystal, ensuring the legibility of the face and its guaranteed security. For the caseback, there is a sapphire crystal that allows users a look into the glorious movement.

The dial comes in a light, powder-blue style colour that Chopard have named "Rhône Blue". This is no fancy sought after wine. Far from it. Undergoing PVD layers, the finish closely imitates the iris of an Eagle, another design code of the Alpine Eagle lineup. You might say this is flying high in terms of the best racing watches we have already covered.

Time is read via the baton hour markers and baton hands. Given luminescence strips through their centres, the three counters work closely with the tachymetric scale, especially since they are both in black, ensuring the sporty edge is seamless. Speaking of sporty, there are some colourful jolts in the form of the red tip on the seconds hands and sub counters at 3 and 9 o’clock.

Within the timepieces is the 03.05-C calibre, enjoying a 28,800VpH alongside a weekend-proof 60 hour power reserve. COSC certified, the timepieces have guaranteed quality and longevity.

You can buy a Chopard Alpine Eagle XL Chrono at retail for £22,500 as of April 2024.

12. Omega Speedmaster Super Racing

Case Thickness	14.9mm
Case Diameter	44.25mm
Movement	9920
Strap Type	Bracelet
Material	Steel

The Omega Speedmaster Super Racing is fast, and we mean fast as in Usain Bolt strapped onto a Ferrari type of speed!

Source - Omega

With a case diameter of 44.25mm and a thickness of 14.9mm, the timepieces are very big, especially since they are made out of steel which unfortunately isn’t the lightest material option they could’ve chosen. However, we won’t hold it against the brand. There’s a lot of power bubbling within this honeycomb dial stunner, Timelords!

Given a thorough polished aesthetic along the lugs and the case sides, the models are finished beautifully, which is surprising for something that's so clearly designed for speeding around the racetrack.

At only 50 metres of water resistance, we’d save this for the speedway and keep it out of the swimming pool. Its asymmetrical case design looks sublime and carefully links in with the original Speedmaster design.

Along the top, the Omega Speedmaster Super Racing is fitted with a ceramic bezel that features Grand Feu yellow tachymetric scale for optimal legibility. This sets the scene for the equally contrasting black dial with yellow accents.

The honeycomb dial features a DLC coated lower plate, allowing the applied, yellow baton hour markers to clearly stand out, alongside the slim hour and minute hands with graduating yellow seconds hand.

There are two sub counters oriented at 3 and 9 o’clock, referring to the minutes and hours at 3 o’clock and a small seconds counter at 9 o’clock.

Within the timepiece is the Master Chronometer certified Calibre 9920. This groundbreaking calibre is known as the Spirate System, and it undergoes Omega’s strictest tests for precision.

This includes incorporating a patented Si14 hairspring that offers exceptional accuracy. Factually, it provides a phenomenal accuracy of around 0/+2 seconds per day and a 60 hour power reserve.

That’s on par with the Superlative Chronometer certified Rolex Daytona with its -2/+2 seconds per day accuracy.

You can buy an Omega Speedmaster Super Racing at retail for £11,000 as of July 2024.

13. Rolex Daytona 126500LN

Case Thickness	11.9mm
Case Diameter	40mm
Movement	4131
Strap Type	Bracelet
Material	Steel

For many, a potential grail watch, The Rolex Daytona is perhaps the ultimate racing model for any kind of horophile or collector. The Rolex Daytona was originally released in 1963 and named after the legendary Daytona track.

Source - Rolex

Noted for its tachymetric scale and chronograph functionality, the timepieces are famed for being associated with Hollywood legend Paul Newman, most notable reference 6239 which sold for around £15 million.

So, how do we even begin to broach such a timeless line and isolate one model? In the spirit of keeping things relevant, as we are the most hip and modern horological platform in the market, we’ve found a reference that’s still in circulation, and closely mirrors the classic design codes of the original models. Enter the Daytona 126500LN.

Crafted out of 904L steel, the 40mm case utilises the brands patented Oyster Steel material in order to provide an excellent lustre, and counteract most scratches and markings. The monobloc design is fitted with a screw-down caseback and Triplock crown to ensure 100 metres of water resistance.

Along the top is a black ceramic bezel that's moulded with a white tachymetric scale. It allows users to measure speeds up to 400 miles per hour, and closely mirrors the 1965 timepieces that adopted a Plexiglas bezel insert.

The models are fitted with a white dial, allowing the bullet shaped hour markers and baton hands to clearly stand out. Given a Chromalight display, the face is highly luminescent and allows users a clear view into the watch's face.

Furthermore, the sub counters situated at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock are given black edges, pertaining to the classic panda aesthetic of the timepieces.

Within the models is the high-powered, Superlative Chronometer certified 4131 calibre, entitling users to an immense -2/+2 seconds per day precision and 72 hour power reserve.

You can buy a Rolex Daytona 126500LN at retail for £13,200 as of July 2024.

Conclusion

The chequered flag has finally been raised, Timelords! And the winner is?

Our wheels are almost burnt out, but we have just enough time to summarise our tidy list of the best racing watches to get you from start to finish…in the quickest possible time!

There are a number of brilliant race inspired models that we feel should get fans revved up. From the wonderful Chopard Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph to the timeless TAG Heuer Carrera and its Porsche relationship, Chrono Hunter has uncovered the best possible models for the racing world.

Spotting collabs between brands like IWC and Mercedes Benz or H.Moser & Cie and Alpine, watchmaking and racing has become as perfect a partnership as Torvill and Dean. With designs becoming more tailored to the everyday wearer, they are quickly becoming exciting prospects for horophiles.

So, when it comes to buying your preferred timepiece, where will you be when the lights turn green?

Want to be in pole position when looking to buy a TAG Heuer, or want to buy an Omega at the best possible price to put you in the fast lane? We recommend you get in contact with Chrono Hunter. By simply checking our Trustpilot reviews, you can see why we are so revered as the go-to place to buy a watch or sell a watch.

We’ve established relationships with some of the finest luxury watch retailers around who are more than suited to get you the price you are looking for. Contact us anytime or download our dedicated app from either the Apple or Android marketplace.

Unlike traditional bricks and mortar stores, receive not one but multiple offers from our exclusive network of the best luxury retailers and conclude the purchase or sale directly in the safest possible manner. Whether you want to sell your Rolex, buy a Cartier or buy a Jaeger-LeCoultre, we cover all top Swiss watch brands.

With peerless service, unrivalled brand expertise, a hub of top retailers and quick turnaround, it’s time to feel the need for speed.

Buy Or Sell A Luxury Watch The Smart Way With Chrono Hunter

If you are considering your new purchase or perhaps the sale of a beloved timepiece, Chrono Hunter is the smart way to buy or sell a luxury watch.

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